Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Animal Hats, Scarves and Mittens for Babies and Kids

by , 01/27/12   filed under: eco baby clothing, eco toddler, green baby, green design, green kids, kids clothing
 
 
Keep your little one warm this winter in one of our favorite animal-inspired hats, scarves, mittens or booties. All of the adorably wild winter gear for kids is eco-friendly from puppy hats with ears to snake scarves, right down to sweet polar bear booties. See all of the sustainable goodies and let your child help pick out a favorite - we bet she'll stop fighting when you tell her she must wear her hat and mittens!
 

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thredUP Concierge Program Makes Recycling Outgrown Children’s Clothing Easy

by , 01/27/12   filed under: eco toddler, green kids, kids clothing

ThredUP launched their unique children’s clothing recycling program back in 2010. Up until now, the only way to swap outgrown clothes through thredUP was to build a box of about 10 items of the same size and season and post them on the site so other moms can choose to buy your box. Now, the company is making the clothing recycling process even easier with thredUP Concierge. Just request a free Concierge bag online, fill it with your kid’s outgrown clothing, return the bag with a prepaid label and you’ll earn up to $5 per piece.

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PlanToys Workbench is Fun for Industrial Kids

by , 01/26/12   filed under: eco play, green kids, green toys

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The PlanToys Workbench is perfect for kids who love to build. The set includes plenty of workbench items, including six handy tools, 27 cool construction parts and a removable storage unit to keep everything tidy. The various construction parts can be placed on both the table and back panel, and the back panel doubles as a tool holder. The wood clamp included in this set may be used easily by both right and left handed children. Luckily for less industrial parents, minimal assembly is required. This set, like other PlanToy items is made with sustainable rubberwood and child-safe paints. You can add more fun with the also safe and green, PlanToys Tool Belt Set.

+ PlanToys Workbench $130.99

+ PlanToys Tool Belt Set $27.81

+ PlanToys


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HOW TO: Bake Adorable Homemade Organic Cheese Crackers

by , 01/26/12   filed under: baking, cooking, food, green kids, how-to, recipe

 
 
Tired of buying box after box of those little, yet surprisingly expensive organic bunny crackers, or worse box after box of the not so natural neon orange or rainbow goldfish crackers? I know I get sick of it. My son wants boxes of bunnies at $4+ a pop at times (yikes) but it's not like I want him eating food coloring or GMOs, so I spring for the organic. That said, after some searching, I was pretty pleased to find a homemade goldfish cracker recipe. It wasn't an organic recipe, but that's easy to fix. More than just cute, these homemade organic cheese crackers are ultra-portable, have zero fake colors, come without the excessive packaging and best of all, actually taste good. I've never liked cheese crackers, yet, these are tasty enough to please me, at least, more so than the average cheese cracker. If you already love cheese, these are sure to be a hit for daily munching, at a party or even as a gift.
 


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Elevated Exposure to Chemicals Weakens Immune Response to Vaccines

by , 01/26/12   filed under: eco toddler, green baby, green kids, health & body, kids health, news

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A new research study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) may reduce the effectiveness of common childhood vaccines. Researchers working on this study, headed up by Dr. Philippe Grandjean, chair of environmental medicine at the University of Southern Denmark, studied children born in the Faroe Islands due to reports of increasing amounts of PFCs in the drinking water and fish located within close proximity to the Islands. Children in the study received the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine at 3 months, along with the recommended booster at age five. The researchers tested the immunity of the children, at age five and seven years, and drew some blood to test PFC levels. What they found wasn’t good. Higher levels of PFCs in the blood correlated with much lower immune responses. In fact, by the age of seven years, children with a twofold increase of bodily PFCs were up to fours times as likely to have an immune response that was no longer even clinically active. Basically, children with the highest PFC levels weren’t as protected or weren’t protected at all against disease, even though they’d been vaccinated.
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USDA Kicks Off First Major Healthy School Lunch Changes in 15 Years

by , 01/25/12   filed under: education, food, green kids, kids health, news

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We’re not huge fans of the USDA school lunch program. Not only has Congress attempted to keep school lunches unhealthy, to the point of declaring pizza a vegetable, but overall, school lunches contain some horrid stuff. From pesticides to too much fat and sodium to flavored milk, fizzy fruit and fast food, school lunches throughout the last decade have become nightmarish in quality at most schools. Your child, thus far, has been better off with a sustainable healthy packed lunch. Now though, thankfully, there’s hope on the horizon. Thanks to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act championed by the First Lady and signed by President Obama, the USDA is making the first major changes to all school meals in 15 years. Hopefully these changes will stick and result in a healthier generation of children.
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Rooware Eco-Friendly Kids Tableware is Made from Plants

by , 01/25/12   filed under: eco toddler, green kids
 
 
Plastic and melamine kids dishes are a dime a dozen, but when it comes to finding more eco-friendly and safe choices, options are limited. That's why we were excited to discover Rooware. The collection of plates, bowls, and utensils comes in four fun colors and is made from an innovative bio-based plastic created from corn. The made-in-the-USA tableware is BPA-, phthalate-, PVC-, formaldehyde- and melamine-free. Plus, it's compostable.
 

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HOW TO: Make Easy, DIY Kids Valentines With Stuff From Around Your House

by , 01/25/12   filed under: craft, diy kids crafts, green family, green holiday ideas for kids, green kids, how-to
 
 
When I was a kid, there was nothing that compared with the giddy excitement of looking in your Valentine cubby and seeing who sent you a Valentine and what it said. Now you can live vicariously through your kids and help them create some personalized, crafty Valentines. Here are some options for DIY Valentines that are easy enough for kids to make, most of them without an extra trip to the craft store.
 

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Book Review: The Organic Family Cookbook by Anni Daulter

by , 01/25/12   filed under: baby feeding, green kids

 
 
With Organically Raised – Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddlers, author Anni Daulter offered families some fresh and organic ways to feed your youngest tots. Then she made hot days more fun and tasty with Ice Pop Joy. Now Daulter's tackled the hardest task of all - feeding the whole family on a daily basis with her new book The Organic Family Cookbook. Read on to see what we think of this beautifully photographed cookbook and get a sample recipe!
 


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Bloofbird Plush Robots Are Made From Eco Felt

by , 01/24/12   filed under: eco play, green design, green kids, green toys
 
 
The simplistic, monochromatic,robot designs from Bloofbird are full of personality. The clever characters are hand screen-printed onto Kunin Eco-Fi felt which is made from recycled plastic bottles. The collection of robots certainly doesn't beep and bloop, but the powered-down plushies are sure to spark imaginative electronic noises and play that trump battery-powered ones any day!
 

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Tips to Help You Overcome 6 Common Co-sleeping Hurdles

by , 01/24/12   filed under: green baby, sleeping

 
 
Co-sleeping has many benefits for parents and children. However, as any co-sleeping parent will tell you, co-sleeping is far from perfect. There are some cons that vary from family to family. From babies that kick to restless sleepers to circumstances that make co-sleeping a danger, there's plenty of issues that can make you wish you never tried co-sleeping in the first place. That said, co-sleeping really is a wonderful way to connect with your baby, so here are some helpful tips about how to overcome those pesky co-sleeping hurdles.
 


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5 Things to Know Before You Start the Adoption Process

by , 01/24/12   filed under: parenting
 
 
As a continuation of our discussion of eco-friendly family planning options, we decided to provide some basic info on adoption that everyone should know before they start the process. Read on for five essential points to discuss as you explore welcoming a child (or children) into your home.
 

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Phthalates in Body Care Products Linked to Childhood Obesity

by , 01/23/12   filed under: eco toddler, green kids, health & body, kids health, news

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Researchers from the Children’s Environmental Health Center at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York have recently found a link between exposure to phthalates and childhood obesity in young children. Researchers working on this study measured phthalate concentrations in the urine of 387 children plus recorded body measurements including BMI, height, and waist circumference one year later. Urine tests revealed that shockingly, more than 97% of all the children were, at some point exposed to phthalates and the researchers guess that body care products may be to blame. Children exposed to the highest concentrations of chemicals also had larger BMI results and larger waist circumference results. BMI and waist circumference are both likely to be higher in overweight or obese children. The study’s lead author Susan Teitelbaum, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, notes:

“Research has shown that exposure to these everyday chemicals may impair childhood neurodevelopment, but this is the first evidence demonstrating that they may contribute to childhood obesity. This study also further emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to these chemicals where possible.”

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5 Ways to Save Money for Your Child’s Education Today

by , 01/23/12   filed under: education, green baby, green family, green kids
 
 
It costs a lot of money to raise children and one of the largest expenses that your family will encounter will be for higher education. Starting to save for college when your children are young is essential since it's such a large expense. There are many great ways to save for your child's education - ways that are easy, affordable and will make sending your child off to college an easier process. And when your child does go off to college, the steps that you took today will allow your child to focus on their education, not how they are going to pay for it. The key to saving for your child's education is to start when they are born. Read on to learn the five ways that my family is saving money for my son's college education, and getting started on your own savings today.
 

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LAST DAY TO ENTER! Win a Greenbuds Organic Crib Mattress and Sheet Set Worth $492

by , 01/23/12   filed under: contest, eco toddler, green baby, green bedding, green design

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When you put your baby in her crib, the last thing you want her to sleep on is a bed of hazardous chemicals, right? Well, unfortunately traditional baby mattresses are filled with toxins including PVC, phthalates and fire retardants. Since your baby will spend 10 to 14 hours a day on said mattress, choosing an eco-friendly one is important for her health and safety. We recently discovered Greenbuds organic mattresses and are excited to have three of their wonderful green sleep products to give away. One grand prize winner will win a Greenbuds Magnolia Deluxe Organic 2-in-1 Crib Mattress and an organic cotton sheet set worth $492, and one runner up will win an Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector from Greenbuds sized for standard crib mattresses worth $54.95. Ready to win a safe sleep environment for your green baby?

Here’s how to enter to win a Greenbuds Organic Crib Mattress and Sheet Set Worth $492 or a Mattress Protector Worth $54.95!

1) Like GreenBuds on Facebook. (And if you’re feeling extra friendly, you can like Inhabitots on Facebook too!)

2) Add a comment to this post with your answer to the following question: What’s your trick for getting your baby to snooze soundly? Please be patient – comments don’t appear instantly because they must be approved.

Learn more about Greenbuds and the giveaway prizes after the jump.



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CDC Researchers Say Delaying Breastfeeding to Increase Vaccine Efficiency May be Wise

CDC Researchers Say Delaying Breastfeeding to Increase Vaccine Efficiency May be Wise

In news that’s almost unbelievable, 10 CDC researchers suggest that delaying breastfeeding in favor of making the rotavirus vaccine more efficient may be useful. What the frog! Or in other words, what we say around my house when we can’t cuss out loud. The study, publicized in the CDC’s 2010 spring newsletter, has remained fairly quiet until now but recently hit mainstream media. This worries me, because some parents may take the study at face value and delay or stop breastfeeding in order to pump up the effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccine. The U.S. has abysmally low rates of breastfeeding as it is, so the damage research like this could do is significant. As a parent, if you hear about this study, you should strongly consider how the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any smaller inactivity of the rotavirus vaccine. Honestly, when it comes to who funded this study, my money is on the formula companies – although that’s just a guess.

Would you stop breastfeeding to increase vaccine efficiency?

  • 134 Votes Heck no!
  • 1 Votes I might.
  • 1 Votes I'm not sure.

View Results

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Green Your Tot’s Choo Choo With Plan Toys Recycling Train

Green Your Tot’s Choo Choo With Plan Toys Recycling Train

Is your kid crazy about choo choos? Give your child’s train set an eco upgrade by adding three cars that are on a recycling mission. The Recycling Train, which is compatible with all other Plan Toys rail sets, is made from recycled rubberwood and non-toxic finishes. You can use this train to help you explain recycling to your children and what types of items might go in each of the different colored bins aboard the cars.

+ Recycling …

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Reclaimed Mini Natural Wood Castle Blocks from Imagine Childhood Make Building a Palace Easy

Reclaimed Mini Natural Wood Castle Blocks from Imagine Childhood Make Building a Palace Easy

We’re all for open-ended natural blocks in square and rectangle shapes, but these Mini Natural Wood Castle Blocks from Imagine Childhood will add some really cool, royal elements to your tots building repertoire. Hand made from reclaimed local Walnut in Colorado and finished with mineral oil, the castle blocks are perfectly sized for little hands to maneuver. Each set comes with six blocks.

+ Mini Natural Wood Castle Blocks $55.00

+ Imagine Childhood 

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6 Sugar-Free Valentine’s Day Etsy Finds To Spoil the Little Loves in Your Life

6 Sugar-Free Valentine’s Day Etsy Finds To Spoil the Little Loves in Your Life

 
 
Valentine's Day isn't just about chocolate goodies or sweet love notes: kids can wear their hearts on the sleeves (or shoes or hats) with these adorable Valentine-themed Etsy finds. While these goodies won't cause an extra trip to the dentist, they sure are plenty sweet.
 

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Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan Launch The Honest Company, Green Diaper & Baby Product Delivery Service

Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan Launch The Honest Company, Green Diaper & Baby Product Delivery Service

 
 
A new diaper/baby care products delivery service for eco-minded parents just launched this week. The Honest Company picks up where the stork left off, leaving bundles of product joy on your doorstep for the whole family to enjoy (we wish all deliveries were this simple!). Co-founded by Christopher Gavigan, former CEO of Healthy Child, Healthy World and actress and child advocate Jessica Alba, The Honest Company equips you with the essentials you need to care for your green baby. With an innovative, new biodegradable baby diaper, baby wipes, bath and skin care collection and home cleaning line, the affordable and convenient collection means that now it's not just easy being green -- it's effortless -- simplifying your existence during one of the most magical yet confusing times of life: parenthood. No more late night diaper runs, no more researching which skin and bath care products are best for babe, or which cleaning products will effectively clean your home sans toxins. The entire Honest Company collection has been meticulously crafted with the utmost care in mind for babies, families and the environment.
 

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LOTS MORE GREAT GREEN DESIGN STORIES HERE... KEEP READING!